Roland Orzabal, the renowned musician from Tears for Fears, has shared intimate details about the difficult last years of his marriage to his first wife, Caroline. He spoke candidly in his memoir, “Welcome to Your Life”.
Orzabal admitted to reaching a breaking point after years of Caroline’s struggle with alcohol-related illness. He confessed to falling in love with another woman, Emily Rath, before Caroline’s death. He emphasized the importance of honesty in his memoir, saying, “I didn’t want to write something false.”
“I’d spent years and years with Caroline in this state,” Orzabal reflected with Fox News Digital.
He met Rath in 2016 during a performance in Colorado. Despite being married, he felt an immediate connection, remarking, “That’s my wife.” Rath was significantly younger, sparking initial discomfort. Nevertheless, they developed a strong bond.
Orzabal met Caroline Johnston at 14 and they married in 1982. Their marriage faced challenges due to his career demands and long absences. By the mid-1990s, their relationship was strained, seeking counseling yet staying together for their family.
Caroline’s health issues worsened in the 2000s, with heavy drinking becoming part of daily life. Signs of serious illness appeared around 2011, but Orzabal was reluctant to acknowledge alcohol as the cause, partly due to his own drinking habits.
Caroline’s condition gradually deteriorated with severe symptoms. She experienced seizures, hospitalizations, and erratic behavior. Orzabal felt helpless as her health declined.
“Please Be Happy,”
a song Orzabal wrote, reflected Caroline’s struggles.
As his connection with Rath grew, Orzabal faced a decision about his future. He felt drawn to a life away from Caroline’s decline. This realization brought feelings of guilt, as he considered the impact on his family. Ultimately, he chose to move forward.
Caroline passed away in 2017. Orzabal recalled disbelief and the immediate need to address her loss with his family. He later sought treatment for Ambien addiction, finding a path to self-forgiveness and acceptance of the past.
Orzabal married Rath in 2020. He appreciated her support and believes Caroline, if spiritually present, would understand the choices he made.
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